IBM releases new database solution

IBM announces new data management solution with new technologies and e-business capabilities.

Singapore, 17 April 2000 - IBM has released its new DB2 Universal Database Version 7, to make it simpler for dot-coms and large corporations that want to conduct B2B activities on the Internet.

"The brand new database offers the new generation Web businesses the power, performance and technology possibilities they need to gain a competitive edge," said Srikanth Ramachandran, software and e-business marketing manager of IBM ASEAN/South Asia.

The new solution has already made its mark as with innovative B2B and e-marketplace applications companies like Ariba, i2, Works.com, Global Freight Exchange (GF-X), adtender.com and Freight Traders. Worldwide and in Asia, other names using DB2's e-business technology are SciQuest.com, Mitsubishi Trust Bank, Honda Motor, Kirin Breweries, Japan Airlines, United Overseas Bank, Guangzhou Railway and Xinhua News Agency.

The new database included specific enhancements for the dot-com community:

• In-memory database, an unique feature for high speed, rich-text Web searches
• Optimized XML integration for intelligent searching and B2B application support
• Enhanced federated data access, including an integrated distribution query and DB2 Data Links Manager, that allows customers to manage information outside their database i.e. CAD/CAM drawings.
• Microsoft Windows 2000 exploitation, including OLE DB support, Visual Studio Integration and Enterprise Transaction Support that enables customers to integrate their application development environment directly into DB2 Universal Database.
• Expanded Java support including JDBC V2 and JAVA Transaction API that provides access to, and availability of secure data over the Web.

DB2 also offers integrated business intelligence capabilities including:

• Data Warehouse Centre with easy-to-use GUI and launchpad for fast application development
• Integrated OLAP for rapid application development with Hyperion Essbase or DB2 Universal Database store, allowing users to add insight to information
• Scalability, management and access enhancements to DB2 Warehouse Manager that enables SMEs to build their databases as they grow.
• DB2 Spatial Extender for geographic analysis and OpenGIS conformance that enables customers to create graphical representations of their information such as buying pattern maps.

The IBM Content Manager, an integrated portfolio of products - driven by DB2 Universal Database - is designed for the creation, capture, storage management and distribution of digital content.

With the new version of DB2, Content Manager customers have an even quicker, more robust and secure tool for capturing and integrating different digital content, such as:

• Ability to manage and leverage digital content for e-business applications including CRM, ERP and e-commerce.
• Easier access to all forms of unstructured information including scanned documents, faxes, computer output, audio and video clips.
• Rights management capabilities for businesses, entertainment, and media organizations to manage, protect and distribute intellectual property, including photographs, music, art, film and books, over intranets and the Internet.

In response to market demands, IBM has also made it very much easier and faster for customers to migrate from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase and Informix databases to DB2. This was done with the addition of strong integrated functionalities, as well as possibilities of migration tools and services to aid customers migrate their applications from other databases to DB2.

New functions easing the migration to the database include:

• Free Web download of the ManTech Stored Procedure Conversion Tool (SProCT) and documentation
• Kick-start services such as migration assessment and joint development of migration project plans, and the DB2 Universal Database Developers Edition and computer-based training

About DB2 Universal Database
DB2 Universal Database combines integrated power for business intelligence, content management, enterprise information portals and e-business with industry-leading performance and reliability to drive the most demanding industry solutions.

DB2 partners include CRM provider Siebel, as well as SAP, PeopleSoft, Baan and others.

The beta release of DB2 Universal Database Version 7 is available to be downloaded here. The product will be generally available in mid-2000 on a variety of Unix platforms, including IBM AIX, Solaris, HP-UX and NUMA-Q, as well as Linux, MS Windows NT and Windows 2000, and IBM OS/2. Pricing will be revealed later.

Pricing will be announced at the time of general availability.